Pant Leg Protector Insole

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus to protect the lower legs of a pair of pants when worn with a shoe comprising and open back. The apparatus protects the lower pants legs from being compressed between the users heel and the sole of the shoe when walking. The apparatus is an external attachment to the shoe and is comprised of a heel cover and shoe insole. The heel cover extends from the shoe insole upward approximately 6 inches to cover the heel of the user and the shoe insole is either a full shoe insole inserted into the shoe or a partial shoe insole that is attached to the heel or outsole of the shoe by a sleeve/strap assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of footwear. This invention is an attachment or accessory to an open back shoe consisting most importantly of the heel shield that is sufficiently large to as to protect the lower end of a pant leg from being compressed between the heel of the user and the insole of the shoe creating discomfort for the user as well as an unsightly appearance.

The invention can take multiple forms depending on the type of shoe that is in use. For a shoe with a wedge heel, a full or partial insole with heel shield could be used wherein the weight of the user's foot holds it in place. For a shoe with a spike heel, it might be more desirable to use an insole with an additional heel stabilizer to keep the insole in place.

The insole with a heel stabilizer has two embodiments depending on the type of heel the shoe possesses. The first embodiment consists of the insole and heel shield with a strap attached to each side of the insole wherein the strap is routed around the outsole (or bottom) of the shoe for the purposes of securing it to the shoe and keeping it in place. The second embodiment consists of the insole and heel shield with and attached sleeve that slides over the a spike heel leaving the bottom of the spike heel exposed for the purposes of securing it to the shoe and keeping it in place.

The preferred materials are a soft and flexible rubber that is comfortable underfoot. It may contain air or gel pockets to increase the comfort. It is preferred to be clear or flesh colored so as to be as invisible as possible.

2. Description of the Related Art

There exists prior art with structures and attachments for the purpose of protecting the end of a pant leg from fraying as it contacts the ground when the user walks as well as structures and attachments for the purpose of cosmetically maintaining the shape of a cuff at the end of a pant leg. Most such prior art was intended to be used with boots, sneakers, or other closed back shoes.

This invention seeks to fill a void in the discomfort and unsightliness of a pant leg that is trapped between the heel of the user's foot and the insole of an open back shoe. This is accomplished with the use of a insole with a heel shield that can be attached or inserted into the shoe wherein the heel shield apparatus extends sufficiently around and upward in an arc to cover the heel of the foot so as to cover the gap that is created when the user steps and the heel of the user's foot leaves the insole of the shoe momentarily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

All embodiments consist of a heel shield that covers the heel of the user and acts as a shield to prevent the lower end of a pant leg from becoming lodged between the heel of the user's foot and the insole of the shoe. This shield is of sufficient height and extends from the bottom of the user's foot up toward the achilles heel.

In one embodiment, the invention is a either a full or partial insole to be placed on top of the insole of the shoe. This embodiment relies primarily on the pressure from the user's foot onto the insole to keep it in place during use.

The insole may also consists of a stabilizing member. This prevents the insole from shifting out of place during use. There are two embodiment of the stabilizing member. In one embodiment, the stabilizing member is a strap consisting of a coupling member. The strap is connected to each side of the insole and wrap around the outsole of the shoe. The two straps are connected together using a coupling member. This coupling member is used to tighten the strap to secure it to the shoe.

In another embodiment, the stabilizing member is a stretchable sleeve that slides over a spike type heel. The sleeve is pushed as far up the spike as possible leaving the bottom of the spike exposed and placing the heel shield at it optimal position on the back of the user's heel. The sleeve extends sufficiently down the heel to secure it but may not cover the entire heel of the shoe. The pressure the sleeve exerts on the heel of the shoe keeps it in place. The sleeve may also be cut to length to cosmetically hide it from view.

In all embodiments, air or gel may be used inside the insole to increase the comfort level of the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details described are in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. All illustrations are depicted as they would appear when the insole is inserted into or attached to an open back shoe.

FIG. 1 is a side view the insole with a shield that is part of all described embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the insole with heel shield.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the insole with a heel shield and heel stabilizer sleeve.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the embodiment consisting of the heel shield and heel stabilizer sleeve.

FIG. 5 is a side view of of the isole consisting of heel shield and heel stabilizer strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed at a way to prevent a pant leg from becoming trapped between a person's heel and the insole of an open back shoe. The method and system allows for the insertion of either a full or partial insole to be inserted into the insole of the shoe. In the case of the full insole, it extends from the heel of the shoe to the toe, while the partial insole extends from the heel to the instep of the shoe. This is considered to be the base of the insole. The insole has an additional member known as the heel shield. The shield extends from the base of the insole upwards and thus covers the heel of the users foot blocking the entry point for the pant leg.

The invention is held in place in the shoe by the pressure exerted by the users foot onto the base of the insole. In cases where additional stability is required, a heel stabilizer member may also be used. In one embodiment, the stabilizer attaches to the heel by sliding over the heel like a sleeve. It is placed high enough up the heel so place the sleeve fits snugly and the heel shield at the proper position. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is attached via a connecting strap attached to each side of the stabilizer and tightens around the heel of the shoe by a coupling member.

In conclusion, while exemplary embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit or scope. Accordingly the appended claims rather than the foregoing description define the scope of the present invention. 

1. A shoe apparatus that may be attached to or inserted into a shoe that extends up and around the heel of the user creating a shield for the heel of the user.
 2. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein it may be inserted or attached into an open back shoe as a full or partial insole.
 3. The apparatus in claim 2, wherein a strap is connected to each side of the partial insole and routed around the outsole (or bottom) of the shoe along a coupling member for the purposes of tightening the strap to secure it to the shoe.
 4. The apparatus in claim 2, wherein a sleeve is slipped over the spike heel of an open back shoe for the purposes of securing it to the shoe.
 5. The apparatus in claim 4, wherein the sleeve extends from the heel shield at the top of the heel of the shoe sufficiently downward to ensure proper attachment to the shoe and preventing the apparatus from shifting out of place during use.
 6. The apparatus in claim 5, wherein the sleeve may be trimmed or cut to size to cosmetically hide it from view. 